Tritons win first league boys soccer title in 12 years

Members of the San Clemente Triton soccer team celebrate after defeating Aliso Niguel, 3-1, Thursday, earning the squad its first league championship since 1998. COURTESY OF DAN EGGERS

If you ask San Clemente Tritons boys soccer coach Michael Pronier, he'd say it was about time.

After coming so close to winning a South Coast League championship over the past 12 seasons – twice losing at least a share of the league crown in the last game of the year – Pronier's Tritons got over the hump Thursday night as they defeated Aliso Niguel, 3-1, to claim its first title since 1998.

"This feels good," said the 22-year coach. "I'm excited not only for the kids, but for the players before them who worked their butts off only to come within seconds of winning a league championship."

San Clemente (16-3-5 overall, 6-1-3 SCL) entered Thursday's game tied with Mission Viejo (11-3-4, 5-1-4) for first place in the league standings, but the Diablos tied Capistrano Valley, 1-1, Thursday, leaving the door open for the Tritons.

It didn't take long for San Clemente to capitalize, as the Tritons scored twice in the game's first 15 minutes.

The first goal came in the 11th minute off a long throw-in by sophomore Danny Martinez into the Wolverines penalty box. Senior Martin Licea picked up the loose ball and knocked it past Aliso Niguel goalkeeper Alex Figueroa.

Two minutes later, junior Steve Palacios made a strong run to the box and was pulled down by a defender. Palacios then scored on the ensuing penalty kick, giving San Clemente a 2-0 lead.

From there, San Clemente's defense – which has recorded a school-record 13 shutouts – took over. Aliso Niguel managed just three shots in the first half, and just one more in the second, and controlled possession most of the game.

"San Clemente is the best team in this league," said Wolverines coach Randy Dodge. "They have great attacking pressure, they're good defensively, and they have that hunger that comes from not winning (a league title) in awhile."

Triton senior Lucas Suska agreed. "I think our versatility sets us apart. Our defense is diehard. Everybody goes all out. We have a lot of skill offensively, and we have a passion for the game."

San Clemente put the game on ice in the 63rd minute when Palacios intercepted a pass near midfield, juked past one defender and knocked in goal No. 3 with a shot to the far post.

San Clemente's attempt at recording a school-record 14th shutout ended in the 70th minute when Aliso Niguel's Whean Beezer knocked in a free kick from 30 yards.

Next up for both the Tritons and Wolverines (9-8-7, 4-4-2) is the CIF-Southern Section Division I playoffs. Pairings will be announced this Sunday. Visit ocvarsity.com to see when and where both teams will be playing.

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.